B.S. in Special Education - Standard Special Option

Special education is a rewarding career. Eastern's special education program is a strong one, carrying an excellent state and national reputation. Nationwide, professionals prepared in special education are in high demand. The special education programs are designed to provide a dynamic core of information. This core functions as a base of specialization. Individuals completing one of the courses of study in this department provide professional expertise and leadership in the development and implementation of educational programs. Additionally, program graduates have the skills necessary to coordinate the services of school, home and community agencies for individuals with exceptionalities. The three key attributes are: it is a standards-based program; all faculty members have taught in special education and have a minimum five years' experience working with individuals with disabilities in hospitals, agencies or schools; candidates complete a minimum of 300 clinical hours prior to student teaching; these hours are spent working with individuals in hospitals, agencies and school systems, and all experiences are supervised and evaluated by special education faculty. When it comes to internships, research, community service, and other opportunities, choosing the program provides students some possibilities may not find elsewhere: service learning hours, special olympics family festival, volunteer hours, area 9 special olympics in the spring and minimum of 300 hours field experience. Students leave the program prepared to provide services to individuals with disabilities across the spectrum of disabilities (excluding hearing, vision and speech/language).